Tomorrow

At the all-star break

This is a refreshing admittance, contrary to those that have rainbow titles and approach everything as if it were a nail with hammer-in-hand.

I don't mind extreme bias and can tolerate idiosyncrasies bordering on hysteria, but it would be helpful to at least recognize the complexity of things.

If anything the recent miking of head coaches during their talks at half-time exposes is the level of supreme banality. Keeping things at a simple level is a caricature of everyday junior high coach levels...and this does nothing to counteract that level of perception. This is not meant to denigrate the message at halftime. Complicated instructions only confuses most issues and explanations of basic redirection can be mostly handled in one or two pointed, directional phrases.

The real complexity of the situation is never obvious during the game actions, although rote learning sessions can be pre-drilled concerning under-one-minute-game-setups. A multitude of interconnected associations make a team and organization sucessful...most of which we have no privy information about.

Quantity of excessive extremism does not equate to the logic of the domino theory, of one thing directly causing the other to fall because of close partnering.

Gotta show Flip some love. The team is playing great, everybody contributing. The bench is coming together nicely, they are really undestanding and flourishing in their roles. The defense has been awesome, and it's almost automatic for us to get double-digit wins versus lesser competition these days. Our losses to the Bulls are our only real bad losses this season. Those 3 games we loss on the road to the Lakers, Kings, and Blazers are not that bad. All 3 of those teams are pretty good at home.

What would qualify as a great strategic move on the part of Saunders? What's an example of what you're looking for?

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I can give you a short list of things we rarely see from Dolphin:

Benching starters that are not performing instead of waiting until we are down big in the fourth.

Riding the hot had instead of just call the next play in the vaunted "playbook"

Predicating the offense on getting high percentage shots, not just open ones (this becomes HUGE in the playoffs)

Emphasis on challenging shots in the paint (of which Maxiell has been the only one aggressive save Sheed on occasion)

NOT throwing the majority of our young guys all out there at the same time (although the last 3 games have been an improvement)

Post season:

Not being out coached by lesser coaches

Understanding that you have to control the half-court game.

Staying on players about giving up layups

Making adjustments to offset the defensive gimmicks/schemes of opponents and not just "running our plays"

Focus on defending the paint and getting PIP for DET because the jumpshots WILL stop falling in April/May/June.

Every year this guy has been coaching this team looked great in the regular season, but was severely inequipped to deal in the post season. This season is looking like more of the same and just like in the 64 win season, I was getting hammered for not being happy with the way the team was playing. None of his comments ever give the impression that he understands what needs to happen in order for this team to win late in the playoffs. He only understands how to run his "game." That's great and it always works well in the regular season, but when the gloves come off, his style of play always buckles under pressure. I'm not sold.

I've taken enough of a beating here to know it's not popular, but I could care less what this team is doing between Nov. and Mar. as long as they are properly prepared to kick ass come April and May. Until Saunders proves to me that his coaching style won't continue to flame out year after year, I'm going to stand by my assertion that he is not the guy.

Benching starters that are not performing instead of waiting until we are down big in the fourth.

Riding the hot had instead of just call the next play in the vaunted "playbook"

Predicating the offense on getting high percentage shots, not just open ones (this becomes HUGE in the playoffs)

Emphasis on challenging shots in the paint (of which Maxiell has been the only one aggressive save Sheed on occasion)

NOT throwing the majority of our young guys all out there at the same time (although the last 3 games have been an improvement)

Post season:

Not being out coached by lesser coaches

Understanding that you have to control the half-court game.

Staying on players about giving up layups

Making adjustments to offset the defensive gimmicks/schemes of opponents and not just "running our plays"

Focus on defending the paint and getting PIP for DET because the jumpshots WILL stop falling in April/May/June.

Every year this guy has been coached this team looked great in the regular season, but was severely inequipped to deal in the post season. This season is looking like more of the same and just like in the 64 win season, I was getting hammered for not being happy with the way the team was playing. None of his comments ever give the impression that he understands what needs to happen in order for this team to win late in the playoffs. He only understands how to run his "game." That's great and it always works well in the regular season, but when the gloves come off, his style of play always buckles under pressure. I'm not sold.

I've taken enough of a beating here to know it's not popular, but I could care less what this team is doing between Nov. and Mar. as long as they are properly prepared to kick ass come April and May. Until Saunders proves to me that his coaching style won't continue to flame out year after year, I'm going to stand by my assertion that he is not the guy.

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We didn't see Flipper bench Hayes, even when Hayes was shooting, not very good, to say the least.

Benching starters that are not performing instead of waiting until we are down big in the fourth.

Riding the hot had instead of just call the next play in the vaunted "playbook"

Predicating the offense on getting high percentage shots, not just open ones (this becomes HUGE in the playoffs)

Emphasis on challenging shots in the paint (of which Maxiell has been the only one aggressive save Sheed on occasion)

NOT throwing the majority of our young guys all out there at the same time (although the last 3 games have been an improvement)

Post season:

Not being out coached by lesser coaches

Understanding that you have to control the half-court game.

Staying on players about giving up layups

Making adjustments to offset the defensive gimmicks/schemes of opponents and not just "running our plays"

Focus on defending the paint and getting PIP for DET because the jumpshots WILL stop falling in April/May/June.

Every year this guy has been coached this team looked great in the regular season, but was severely inequipped to deal in the post season. This season is looking like more of the same and just like in the 64 win season, I was getting hammered for not being happy with the way the team was playing. None of his comments ever give the impression that he understands what needs to happen in order for this team to win late in the playoffs. He only understands how to run his "game." That's great and it always works well in the regular season, but when the gloves come off, his style of play always buckles under pressure. I'm not sold.

I've taken enough of a beating here to know it's not popular, but I could care less what this team is doing between Nov. and Mar. as long as they are properly prepared to kick ass come April and May. Until Saunders proves to me that his coaching style won't continue to flame out year after year, I'm going to stand by my assertion that he is not the guy.

Benching starters that are not performing instead of waiting until we are down big in the fourth.

Riding the hot had instead of just call the next play in the vaunted "playbook"

Predicating the offense on getting high percentage shots, not just open ones (this becomes HUGE in the playoffs)

Emphasis on challenging shots in the paint (of which Maxiell has been the only one aggressive save Sheed on occasion)

NOT throwing the majority of our young guys all out there at the same time (although the last 3 games have been an improvement)

Post season:

Not being out coached by lesser coaches

Understanding that you have to control the half-court game.

Staying on players about giving up layups

Making adjustments to offset the defensive gimmicks/schemes of opponents and not just "running our plays"

Focus on defending the paint and getting PIP for DET because the jumpshots WILL stop falling in April/May/June.

Every year this guy has been coaching this team looked great in the regular season, but was severely inequipped to deal in the post season. This season is looking like more of the same and just like in the 64 win season, I was getting hammered for not being happy with the way the team was playing. None of his comments ever give the impression that he understands what needs to happen in order for this team to win late in the playoffs. He only understands how to run his "game." That's great and it always works well in the regular season, but when the gloves come off, his style of play always buckles under pressure. I'm not sold.

I've taken enough of a beating here to know it's not popular, but I could care less what this team is doing between Nov. and Mar. as long as they are properly prepared to kick ass come April and May. Until Saunders proves to me that his coaching style won't continue to flame out year after year, I'm going to stand by my assertion that he is not the guy.

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We're winning like the 64 win season, but its been different from day one. JoeD = the difference. So far the plan he outlined 3-days-AC (after Cleveland) is playing out nearly to perfection. When Flips comments go contrary to 3-days-AC it isn't long before his actions fall back in line. Most notably are his comments regarding JMax and Stuckeys PT.

- With Dice, our starters now seem as capable as they were three years ago.
- Coasting has ended, evidenced by no more talk of an on/off switch.
- Mike Curry showed up and dribble penetration is far less of a problem. (baseline trap) Coincidence ?
- We no longer get killed on the boards. Most nights are break even at worst.
- Maxiell (with some help of the staff) has made himself a necessity. He is steadily becoming a wrecking ball of a weapon (in the paint no less) that no one seems able to counter.
- Afflalo, a highly complementary player to Max and Lindsey, is testament to Joes edict of developing the youth (one at a time). Stuckey appears on track to be next.

We're winning like the 64 win season, but its been different from day one. JoeD = the difference. So far the plan he outlined 3-days-AC (after Cleveland) is playing out nearly to perfection. When Flips comments go contrary to 3-days-AC it isn't long before his actions fall back in line. Most notably are his comments regarding JMax and Stuckeys PT.

- With Dice, our starters now seem as capable as they were three years ago.
- Coasting has ended, evidenced by no more talk of an on/off switch.
- Mike Curry showed up and dribble penetration is far less of a problem. (baseline trap) Coincidence ?
- We no longer get killed on the boards. Most nights are break even at worst.
- Maxiell (with some help of the staff) has made himself a necessity. He is steadily becoming a wrecking ball of a weapon (in the paint no less) that no one seems able to counter.
- Afflalo, a highly complementary player to Max and Lindsey, is testament to Joes edict of developing the youth (one at a time). Stuckey appears on track to be next.

27.May 5, 1992: Two days after the Pistons were ousted in the first round by the Knicks, the end of the Bad Boys reign came -- coach Chuck Daly resigned. "It's time to go," he said. "The players need to hear a new voice." No Pistons coach since has lasted three full seasons.

Today, if Amir Johnson does not play in the rotation, Flip should be fired.

NJ certainly does not have anyone on their team that Brezec matches up with.

Joe Dumars got rid of Mohammed. As I continually review earlier games in the season, it can't be any fresher in my mind all the times Mohammed got minutes where Amir could have been gaining valuable experience.

You can't dummy proof a coach. Brezec should be on the roster. We do need an emergency big. But last game, vs. Houston, with Ming sitting on the bench, Saunders chose to bring in Brezec first, not Amir. Dumars could just trade Brezec, or put him on the inactive list.

But this will not force Saunder's hand. No, he can always move Hayes over to power forward for an extra big - and he has done so rather than play Amir.

Today, if Amir Johnson does not play in the rotation, Flip should be fired.

NJ certainly does not have anyone on their team that Brezec matches up with.

Joe Dumars got rid of Mohammed. As I continually review earlier games in the season, it can't be any fresher in my mind all the times Mohammed got minutes where Amir could have been gaining valuable experience.

You can't dummy proof a coach. Brezec should be on the roster. We do need an emergency big. But last game, vs. Houston, with Ming sitting on the bench, Saunders chose to bring in Brezec first, not Amir. Dumars could just trade Brezec, or put him on the inactive list.

But this will not force Saunder's hand. No, he can always move Hayes over to power forward for an extra big - and he has done so rather than play Amir.

I say tonight is his last chance.

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Lee I understand your zeal for the Pistons and Amir, however at 20-7, with the Pistons looking deeper and better than they have in a couple of years - you don`t/can`t fire the coach for not playing a young promising player.

Lee I understand your zeal for the Pistons and Amir, however at 20-7, with the Pistons looking deeper and better than they have in a couple of years - you don`t/can`t fire the coach for not playing a young promising player.

Lee I understand your zeal for the Pistons and Amir, however at 20-7, with the Pistons looking deeper and better than they have in a couple of years - you don`t/can`t fire the coach for not playing a young promising player.

Get a hold of yourself!!!!

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Yes you can. Dumars fired Carlisle after 2 fifty win seasons. Then he fired Brown after winning it all and coming within a quarter of basketball of winning a 2nd championship. Past success in winning games certainly is no guarantee of keeping a job.

If Dumars wants to win it all this year, then Amir must play, and Dumars knows this. If it takes firing the coach to get this done, then Dumars will do it.

Like he says, he fights complacency every day. Just maybe is tired of fighting with Flip and wants to find a coach on his side. (One who wants to win in the playoffs.)

It seems as though we all want to see Amir get PT and develop so that he can provide real value in the Playoffs. We're all on the same page here.

Flip is clearly not satisfying this desire. Same page again.

However, he is doing pretty well with the other young players. Everyone seems to be down with that.

Because of the good job that he is doing in other areas, some of us are willing to live with the 1 defect while others are not satisfied. Some of us actually converted from unsatisfied to pretty satisfied just recently.

It's down to 1 player getting 5 mpg vs 10.

That is the biggest gripe on PF.com right now. Not a bad situation.

We're #1 in the power rankings. We're a lock to make the playoffs. 2nd best D in the leauge (behind a team we beat on their court). No injuries. Vets and youth. GM making solid trades.